Garth Hudson has died

My favourite recorded concert of all time is The Last Waltz (video / album) by The Band. Recorded in 1976, it was their farewell concert.

It may have been their farewell concert, but the Band were still looking young. Well, aside from Garth Hudson. He looked a decade or two older than the rest.

So if you would have told me when I was younger that the elderly-looking Hudson would outlive the rest of the band I never would have believed you. But he did. He died last week, aged 87.

A multi-talented musician, he worked with Bob Dylan, Elton John, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Leonard Cohen, Norah Jones, Ringo Starrr, John Hiatt, Neil Diamond, Emmylou Harris, Dr. John, Roger Water, Ronnie Hawkins, Tom Petty, Jackson Browne, Elvis Costello, James Taylor, Traffic, Paul Butterfield and others.

As a fan of the Band it’s a sad day, for they are all now gone.

With his death I checked out an old Band Tumblr blog I followed. I was happy to see they’re still posting. They’ve posted about Hudson’s death.

In 1700’s London, if you received charity from your local parish you were supposed to wear a badge on your right sleeve with the initial of the parish. This was bitterly resented, as you might expect. #DrJohnsonsLondon #BookNotes

In one of his sermons from the 900s, Ælfric of Eynsham warns against over-eating and excess drinking at Christmas. Nothing changes, does it? #BookNotes #WintersInTheWorld

50 years ago today Nick Drake died.

All three of his albums are melancholic. masterpieces. If this is the first you’re hearing of him, check him out immediately.

I rarely think about how I’m lucky to live in a warm house with running water, have access to the internet, the freedom of a car, or that I’ve outlived plenty of my ancestors. I barely notice any of it – to my shame.

But nearly every time I have that first sip of Fanta Orange or bite of a burger I am immediately delighted, gleeful and thankful.

As I’ve gotten older less and less excites me. Life simply felt sweeter at 16. But at least a Sprite still tastes just as sweet.

AI has officially arrived. My Mum has sent me a AI-generated video on Instagram.

I’ve written about Andrew Roberts' diary routine. blot.blog/2024/10/2…

Morning all 🍂

UK-folk, don’t forget to get yourself into some woods in the next few weeks — the leaves are looking gorgeous. They’re even managing to give some autumnal life and deep colours to this drab industrial estate.

My Saturday:

  • 📖 Read
  • 🪑 Ikea
  • 🥾 Walk
  • 🍿 Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

I envy people who can be productive in a coffee shop or office. My ideal working condition is a a dark, windowless pit devoid of light and people.

"Cheating alleged after men’s world conker champion found with steel chestnut"

The Guardian° The winner, 82-year-old David “King Conker” Jakins that he used a steel conker to win.

This is his first time winning the competition, after 47 years of trying (since 1977).

To be honest, after 47 years I’d be tempted to cheat to win too.

The chap who lost in the men’s final against “King Conker”, said:

“My conker disintegrated in one hit, and that just doesn’t happen … I’m suspicious of foul play and have expressed my surprise to organisers.”

I love stories like this. And I’m pleased and surprised to see it get attention from both Hacker News and Sky News (video).